1862 February [?]

[George’s father made a dating error in copying out this letter, either in the heading or in the 1st line]

My Dear Father I take my pen in hand to answer yours of Feby 9
I was not aware it was so long since I received it, time passes so quickly,
that the weeks & months pass without our noticing it, I have no news to write you
you of course read the papers & are as well posted as I am in regard to the
movements of the Army in your letter you predict the war will end shortly
you speak of the recent victories, & ask me what more I want to convince me
that the war will end shortly, now if Forts Henry & Donlason were the only
Forts, & Columbus, Nashville, Bowling Green were the only strong holds of the rebels
then I might think the war would end shortly but if you will look at the
subject in its true light you will see that there is A vast amount of work to be
accomplished yet, there are other places [?] Columbus, Nashville, Roanoke
Island these places did not contain A quarter of the Rebel Army you think
A large portion of the Rebel Army will not reenlist I think otherwise my
reason for thinking so are these the army are made to believe that all the
North is after is to plunder & murder, to take away thier property & do A great
many other things fully as bad & when they have none to convince them to the
contrary they of course will hold out to the last, I judge from what I saw at
Accomac they all believed that we were comeing to destroy every thing & were
verry much surprised to find we did not trouble any thing that belonged to
them, now about the 5th well we are on the Federal Hill where we have been
since the 26th of last July & the prospect of our stopping here untill next
July verry good Maryland especially Baltimore must be watched this
City is full of secesh to be sure there is A large number of Union men here
but they could not do much if it were not for the presence of Troops, this
Regiment is the pet of the Union People, we had A grand Parade on the
22d. our old Col Duryee is in Baltimore, the Brigade of which he is
the commander is stationed at different points guarding the railroad
every mile of railroad from Harrisburgh to Washington is guarded three
companies of this Regiment are stationed at Fort Marshall opposite Fort Federal
Hill distance about three miles we may move from here but it dont look much
like it, my health is good, when you send me A paper do send me A whole
one I had rather have only one A week & have A whole one, you may think
I am mighty particular but I like to read the advertisements because I
always find some names that are familiar to me, hopeing we shall meet
again I remain your Son

Geo. W. Leavitt

Letters from George Leavitt and his brother Joseph Leavitt were copied into a ledger by their father John Leavitt in October 1865: “because they are of value to me and I was fearful that they might get mislaid.” Both boys were mortally wounded in the war, George at Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862, and Joseph at Spotsylvania, May 18, 1864.


MSS 66

1862 February 28 Winchester, Va.

Winchester Feby 28-62
My Darling Wife
I reached here day before yesterday and expected to de
vote yesterday evening to a letter home, but so soon
as I got pen & paper ready to commence we had
an order to change our camp. My ride here
was as pleasant as I could expect. The first night
I staid at Mr sprouts–The next at Dr Crawfords-
the next at Mr Williamsons & the last at Strasurg
reaching Winchester about 12 oclock–self and
horse both in very good condition. I found all
quite well at Mr Williamsons, Gilbert going about
and nearly recovered.

I doubt that you will hear any quantity of news
before this reaches you–that Winchester has been
evacuated–the enemy approaching in countless
numbers from all directions and Jacksons army
flying before him. All I can say is dont be
alarmed and make up your mind to
bear in patience whatever of good or evil
the future may have in store for us

[page 2]
Try as far as possible to direct your mind from the
troubles of The country. The future is not as bright as
it was before our late disasters but we have yet many
strong arms and brave hearts in the field and
should not despair.

As to our situation here place no confidence in
the rumours which you may hear the enemy
yesterday entered Charlestown in what force
I do not know or for what purpose. It may be
to take possession of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad
and rebuild it, or it may be part of a force
intended to advance on this place. All I can
day is I think unless his force largely outnumbers
ours we should fight him–and if it is over
powering we shall evacuate the place.
I write darling in the open air and a freezing
wind & will bid you good-bye until my next–I will
write regularly so that my letters may reach you
on Sunday morning when you go in to church.
Should any thing happen [to] me I will have a letter
written to your father who will send it to you
Kiss the children for me and for yourself dearest
accept all that a fond husband can offer

Ever yours

E F Paxton

Elisha F “Bull” Paxton, University of Virginia alumnus and Confederate general; commanded the 27th Virginia Infantry and later the 1st “Stonewall” Brigade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

MSS 658

1862 February 28 [Roanoke Island]

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Friday
Feb 28

Another pleasant day. Phineas did
not get back last night, but staid
on the New York. We had a regimental
review and inspection this forenoon. this
afternoon I finished Dunallan, and then
washed some clothes. This evening had a
nice chat with George and Frank about
our childhood and boyish occupations.
Blessed be God for His mercies. I have passed
a very pleasant day and yet how little
I do for Him. O Lord may I devote myself
more fully to Thee my Friend and Savior.

MSS 11293

1862 February 28 Camp Pickens

Camp Pickens, Feb 28th/62

Dear Edm.

I wrote to you a few days ago but have
received no answer. My letter may have
miscarried. I wrote to you in regard to
my boy Ned who ran off about a week
ago. I thought it probable you he might
go to Nelson which he could very well do, and
not report himself, but stay a the negro
cabins unnoticed. Tho’ I stil am under
the impression that he is near by, it
might be possible that he went home, &
I will get you to get the overssers to hunt
him up & if he be in the neighborhood
have him arrested and sent to me
immediately. He can very well elude me
here among the camps and I suffer some
inconvenience by it. If here & not in
Nelson I will soon get him as I have
advertised him & have hunters after him
Let me hear from you. No news
here–My recruiting papers have not
come from Head qrs yet, but I hope
will in a few days –& then I
shall come up. We are preparing
for active operations this Spring &
we expect hard fighting soon

Love to all Yr affec Bro

Lieut Jos C Cabell Jr
49th Va Vols

MSS 276

1862 February 28 Centreville, Va.

Camp near Centreville
February 28th, 1862

Dear Pa:-

This note will be handed to you by Mr. Miller
or Eliza Paterson. I send in the charge of Mr. Miller
(who has been authorized to go to Front Royal to carry
our surplus baggage) a bundle of dirty clothes. Ask Ma
please to have them washed and returned as soon as possi-
ble though in all probablility they will have to be sent
to some other point than Centreville as we have had orders
to send every thing to the rear except what we can carry
upon our backs (two blankets and a change of under clothing).
There are various conjectures as to what point we will move.
Some say to the Valley, some to Leesburg, some to Occoquan,
and goodness knows where else. I think it very doubtful
whether we will leave this place.
Hundreds of rumors are afloat, caused though I
think principally by the order for the removal of all heavy
baggage to the rear, although we are under marching orders.
Mr. Miller will give you all the news respecting our
movements.
We hear that there is a strong Federal force
advancing upon Jackson in the neighborhood of Winchester.
I have not received a letter from home since
Scott came down. How are Charley Buck and Scott Roy getting
along? I am very glad that we got them away before this
confusion.
I must close. Write by Mr. Miller on his return.
Love toall.
YOur affec. son
R.B.B.

Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888, Warren Rifles, Co. B. of the 17th Virginia. His letters were transcribed and typed by his son George G. Buck at an unknown date. Location of originals unknown]

MSS 1091

1862 February 28 Fort Lafayette

Fort Lafayertte
28 Feb. 1862

Belle Cousine
You see I am pursuing
my reconnaisance of the harbour
defences and fortifications of
the United States, which I
commenced last November–at
present Fort Lafayette is the
object of my attention and I have
come to the conclusion, that it
is a work better adapted for
offensive than defensive purposes.
The grand attack upon New
York so long meditated by Semmes
and Maffitt will be postponed
until I return to Return to Rich-
mond, which I shall do as soon

[page 2]
as I complete my investigations
here.

I have not written to
you before because I was not
in the best of spirits and
because the post office was
rather tardy in delivering my
letters.

On my return to Richmond
I was overwhelmed with inqui-
ries with regard to you and
Jennie, particularly, generally and
pegrammatically. I gave loaned your
O.C.K. to Miss Constance. Fred
H. is the Capt. Bob S. of Fran-
lin St. By the way, it is said
that Mr. Harrison & Miss C–
are — but you need,nt
believe a word of it,for I can
assure you that it is not so.

The night after my
return, there was a grand party

[page 3]
at the Enders’ –the only one
given since my departure.
“Mrs Clarks young men”
as usual managed the
affair, Capt Jim Clark being
master of the feast. The attrac-
tive portion of the programme
was the feed–a right glorious,
extensive, various, “intense”
feed. I never saw young la-
dies eat so heartily in my
life–in public. Wilson
and Johnnie were not there
–they had left for Vicksburg.

Mr. Harrison was not
very well, and did not
attend. Miss Jennie Cooper was
there and the Miss Johnstons, I
dont think that you know
any of the other ladies present.
The Nicholases, Harrisons of Brandon,
Tuckers, Vosses, Pegrams, Clarks

[page 4]
& were all well when I left,
Likewise Maj. Norris & Coms
Hollins & Sterritt–the two latter
were very much annoyed
that their wives did not visit
me at For M.

The last sensation in
Richmond was the report
that you and Jennie were
going to return to Richmond.

How is my best of friends
your dear mama? Tell her
that I still have on those
clothes, she sent me and that
they are still in very good order.

Remember me kindly to
your father and brother, give my
love to Mrs. Gittings and Aunt Taylor

What has become
of poor Harry Gilmor?

Write soon, one of you
electrifying, intense letters to

Devotedly y cousin
Reid Saunders

Miss Hettie Cary

“Pegrammatically” is probably a pun on the name of Hettie’s beau and future husband, General John C. Pegram

Harrison & Miss C is undoubtedly a reference to Hettie’s cousin Constance Cary and her future husband Burton Harrison

MSS 1415

1862 February 28 Charlottesville, Va

Charlottesville Feby 28th
I have very unwillingly put off answer
-ing your letter until this time, dear Papa. It
was written from Charleston, and you spoke of
returning to Camp next day, so I know it would
be useless to direct my letter to you in Charleston
while I did not remember (if I ever knew) the
number of you Regiment, and the name of your
Company. I have several times asked Mother
for your direction, but writing in haste generally
omitted giving it and I was delighted to get your
two pencil lines, and hour since, telling me where
and how you were. Please sit down and write me
an account of yourself, all that you have been doing
seeing and hearing, since you wrote last, you say
you are in Savannah ready to meet the Yankees.
does that mean that you intend to remain in
Georgia and fight for her? I hope it does. Mr.
Barnwell delights in giving my State pride a sly
rap now and then, implying that he considers

[page 2]
a lamentable circumstance my having been born a
Georgian instead of a Carolinian, but I tell him
I see no reason to blush for my state yet, and expect
before the war ends to feel still more self-satisfied
even, perhaps to be able to turn the tables on him.
Yet, under this resumed repose of mind, I feel genuine
anxiety as to the result of the attack upon Savan
-nah which seems determined upon, and near at
hand, not that I fear anything like cowardice or
treachery (a la Roanoke, Hatteras, etc) on the part of
our officers or men, but I know that earth works
[hole in paper] best that could be erected. and manned by the
[fi?]nest troops of my State, can not be held under
an iron rain of Bombs. Savannah in the rear, I
have no anxiety about. Savannah from the River:
I almost dread the arrival of the Telegrams from
Richmond half expecting to see that it has shared
the fate of Elizabeth City. Father, I think
when the War is over, if we all liver to see that
happy day, we will have to return to our State
to live. We belong there. Habershams in Carolina
are as bad as Irish Absentees. I want Ned to grow up

[page 3]
among his own people and Kindred.
But I am afraid the end of the War is further
off than ever now. These reverses in N. C and Ten
-nessee will exhilarate the Yankees sufficiently to
make them fight hard in the next battle, where
-ever it may take place,–some here are expecting
it to be at Norfolk, some at Centreville, some at
Nashville, and there is every reason to believe that a
reverse at Manassas could make half, perhaps two-
thirds of the men in this post of Virginia come
forward and offer to take the oath under the U.S.
Government. There is even a rumor, much canvassed
that the line of defence is to be narrowed down to
the Rapahannock, on this line of Railway, Gordons
-ville, Charlottesville, Staunton and Lynchburg. Another
cry is that if
Richmond
Norfolk falls, Richmond must go
and so on through every imaginable and possible
disaster. People here were “blue” enough to disgust
“us” Carolinians (excuse a slang phrase for once) but
Mr. Barnwell coming back from Richmond after the
Inauguration, reports them a shade darker there
so much discussion and confusion, when we never needed
more to be quiet among ourselves, in order to concentrate
our forces against our enemies. It is said, on good

[page 4]
authority that your old friend General Lee will
be appointed Secretary of War, whereupon the
Examiner comes out “If the president cannot find
a better substitute for Mr Benjamin than the des
-pondent personage who is said to be his destin
-ed successor, no rational observer can fail to deplore
his retirement.” Another of the apples of discord!
as the Examiner opinions carry great weight, in
Virginia, at least. But no one ever expects it to
speak favorably of any person in, or destined for
office. I have set down its Edition, in my own
mind as a dyspeptic, who eats a hearty supper
of hot Virginia breads, and then goes to his office
[hole in paper and line partially erased by crease in paper] for quareling with himself and all all the
world Reading over my letter, I am half-vexed to
find what a feeble sketch I have given you of the
interesting conversations I listen to at every meal–half
-amused at myself for attempting to sketch them
at all. My excuse must be the unvarying routine
of my daily life. Between meals, my thoughts have
no time to stray from housekeeping or nursing. At
meals I am glad enough to shake off those trains of
thought, and listen to the conversation of from six
to twelve as intelligent, highly educated, or plain
sensible practical men as could be found, all official or semi-official
characters, and more or less behind the scenes, I shall

remainder of letter from Essie Habersham to her father Richard Wylly Habersham, Jr., is missing

MSS 15091

1862 February 28 Camp Union

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]
February 28
Went down to the mill
this morning with
Gillett before breakfast
to procure bread
were mustered this
morning Played for
Guard Mounting Alex
& I fixed my Horn also
went to the mill for corn
meal & bread Stopped
at Hares[?] and forwarded
rifles Had package of
papers from home

Partly clear cool

MSS 10317

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]

1862 February 28 Fort Grafton

Fort Grafton
Friday night Feby 28th

My darling wifey

I received this evening
a letter from you and one from
Virginia–with regard to the subject
concerning which you both wrote, I
will say that I would be glad to
have a clerkship in the war de=
partment–I understand that away
from the seat of war, feeling is
running high against those volun=
teers who refuse to reenlist=I have
no regard for the opinion of those
who permit some to stay at home
all the time and wish to brand
others who may wish to return home.
I haven’t refused to reenlist and it
will be time to talk about this when
the occasion requires–If I feel it
my duty to reenlist I shall certainly
try before hand to get some better
position; I shall never reenlist in
this company under its present
organization and I dont believe
five in the company will–at any
rate, there are offices such as clerkships
to be filled and men as able as I
am will no doubt be appointed to
them and as active warfare is not
at all to my taste I see no reason
why I should’nt accept of a clerk-
ship, if I can get it. If they deter-
mine to give them to no man
fit for military duty, I am
agreeable.

[page 2]
I received a very polite note
from Mr Magruder to day, stating
that he was sorry to inform me
that the Genl had refused to detail
any member of our artillery or cavalry
company–so that my expectations
from that quarter are at an end/
What has become of the Randolph
Macon professorship? Has Robert
Massie ever received a letter exp-
laining the appointment? and what
was the explanation?
Lieut Brown is getting to be a great
man he has made by far more
reputation since the war than any
officer of the same grade in the
service I understand he is to be
made Major of Artillery–I hope
he wont leave the company for
he is the only popular officer we
have except perhaps Lieut Watson
Peyton is decidedly the most disa-
greeable officer and self conceited
martinet I ever saw–There is a
very fair chance of their being in
the “Melish” next year
I am opinion you failed to send me
a part of your last letter–you
stopped very suddenly without
saying your name or sending
me any particularly loving message
You can send the balance of it
in your next

[page 3]
You dont know my darling, how much I
love you–I miss you much more this
time than I did before my furlough
I dont know what I should do
were it not for the hope of
seeing you before long–and it is
singular how we can hope under
such disadvantageous circumstances.
Remember we to all at home
and be assured of the most
unlimited confidence and love
of your devoted
Husband

Howe Peyton Cochran, Sgt, 1st Virginia Artillery

MSS 9380-a

1862 February 28 Richmond

Richmond Feby the 28th, 1862

My dear Mary [Edmonia Noland]

I can hardly believe that it is
a week today since I left home and I have not
been able to send you a line, but what with
trying to do a little shopping, going to church
and seeing friends, I have not had a moment-
s leisure, first about business, I am afraid
you were disappointed in the material I sent
you for Franks pants, but it was the only
thing I could find at either of the pri-
ces far less than $2.50 cts or three dollars a
yard, and really the price alarmed me so
that I thought it best to send the cheapest
and that was one dollar. I fear there is not
the least hope of your getting a deacent [sic] Cloak]?]
at F Rs. They have a few most of them
very inferior, at Sams[?] not one black one.
I will try next week to look at other
places if you wish it, every lady is doing
not only their spring, but summer shopping
and the stores are crowded so overflowing

[page 2]
most of the goods are inferior such as we would
not think of looking at under ordinary circum-
stances, occasionally you pick up something that
no one else seems to want which is good and
not so unreasonable as those things most in de
mand. I am having a very pleasant time
at this house, and with my friends generally
the times, keep us quiet and thoughtful, but
seem to draw us nearer together.
I spent Wednesday at Mr Harrisons & stayed
all night, and should have enjoyed very
much but for my dear little Percy[?] being very
unwell, he has taken cold I fear, from going
out too soon after having mumps. I have
not from him today, shall go round
after dinner to see about him,
Lizy Wickham, Lizy Carter that was, died
yesterday, leaving a little babe two weeks old.
we go this evening to St Pauls to her funeral.
the remains are to be taken to Shirley,
General Lees Daughter May, who is staying at
this house is a very plain looking, but bright
and very pleasant in manner.
I saw bet this morning at the Jameses, she and
the children are well and now very comfort
ably fixed at the Arlington, she desired
me to tell you that she had heard from

[page 3]
Mrs Scot that whoping[sic] cough was in the
neighbourhood of your Uncles, I saw the
Old gentleman in the street Tuesday, but
was not near enough to speak.
I thought of you all at home very much
in Church today my dear Pastor preached
one of his plain faithful gospel sermons
from these appropriate words “Come and let
us return unto the Lord, for he hath
torn and he will heal us,[“] he gives to
each and every one of us a goodly portion
if we could only be induced to take heed
and then soon would peace and happiness
abound in our land
Mr Wilmers consecration takes place
next week the day is not appointed yet
I hope you may be here by that time, I
have seen Mrs Wilmer, she is very sad and
very much affected when she met me

Heath[?] is looking wretchedly I fear, un-
less going to the South should prove benefi
cial, they will not have him with them
long, I have not heard Mr Wimer preach
since I came down. He preaches mostly at St
Pauls and I understand, attracting immence
crowds who come away saying they never heard
such impressive preaching before, God grant

[page 4]
that it being forth fruit to the praise of
his name. My plan now is to go out
to Brookhill on Monday, and remain
there untill you come, let me hear
from you as soon as you can, and be
sure to direct your letter to the care
of Mr John S[?] should any
thing occur to prevent your coming you
must not hesitate to call me home
at any time you think it necessary for
me to be there.

it is a great pleasure
a spiritual feast for me to be here, but
the path of duty is always safe and plea-
sant too, unless we make it otherwise
by a rebelious spirit. Mr Wilmer was
sitting by me a day or two since and said dont
you miss being away from us. I told him he
must not speak to me of it, that no-
thing but the hope that I was living for the
comfort of my own flesh and blood
kept me up under it.

My love to you all, May god bless and
keep you in peace untill we meet
your affectionate Aunt B Sanderson
Never connect the march cold with Rich
mond when talking to me again, I have had
more cordial greetings here in the past week
than I had seen for months, months, past

[upside down in top margin of page 1]
My love to Call, let me
here particularly from him
when you write.

Mary B. Noland, recipient of the letter was the wife of Callender St. George Noland.

MSS 6463